Starting midweek on May 7, the Cardinals take up the ancient tradition of Conclave. Con means with, clave translates keys. Since 1276, cardinals were sequestered, locked in a room in order to elect the successors of Peter. The first conclave in the Sistine Chapel was in 1492 and since 1878 has been the permanent seat of this event.

Here is a little history on Conclave:

This event will receive global attention as 133 Cardinals gather to elect the immediate successor to Pope Francis. It is fitting to consider the beauty that captivate its walls and ceilings as ballots are counted, the Spirit’s will is discerned and a new Bishop of Rome emerges.

Much can be said of what came from the heart, mind, and hands of Michelangelo Buonarroti as he surrendered to the awesome task of the Sistine Chapel. Let me focus on anthropology and glorious end.

As the Cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 singing the Veni Creator Spiritus, they will notice the first panel on the ceiling. God is creating out of nothing!

How fitting that they implore the same spirit who present on creation’s first day. They petition that the same Advocate be with all of them now as they seek the will of God.

The whole ceiling is filled with the themes of Christian anthropology, nine panels total. As we enter the grill gates we look up to see the most famous fresco of all: The Creation of Adam.

Adam is lifeless. His right leg droops and his left hand barely reaching out to God as it is supported by his knee. As we gaze on this image, we are seconds away from the Father infusing dynamic divine life into Adam. This moment before the touch is the mystery of all theology. God calls us into communion with him.

Hidden underneath the Father’s arm is Eve. God has always had a plan for humanity in Adam and Eve. This fresco captures this truth.

Similar to Adam’s posture is the drunken Noah. His sons, Shem, Japheth, and Ham see his father and mock him. In the background is Noah dressed in red, hard at work. This displays that humanity is far beyond perfect. We do not always attain to the vocation of being a spiritual being in communion with God. As one gazes on these fresco panels, we must ask the questions: Will we be like Adam focused on God or give into our laziness and pleasures like Noah?

While the Creation of Adam is the most popular fresco in the Sistine Chapel, it is not the center of the ceiling. The center is the Creation of Eve. The feminine genius of our anthropology rests at the center of the whole ceiling.

The culmination of the whole ceiling is found in the image of Jonah, who spend three days in the belly of the fish. For Christians, it is the typology of Christ in his tomb. For all walks of faith and seekers of truth, it is an image of how the distant past meets our reality. It is as if Jonah is about to fall of the fresco into our time.

At the bottom of Jonah’s feet we find the crowning jewel of Michelangelo’s work. The Last Judgement is filled with many bodies soaring to the heavens and tumbling into hell. The new David in all his glory is the central figure. He is the Risen Christ. It is before this image that every Cardinal will pledge his vote for the to succeed Peter.